Fun with Trains

We left Venice on time and went across the north of Italy at a nice speed.

We travelled along on the south side of the Alps.

Everything was going smoothly as we got on to our intercity train in Milan.

And there we sat. Engine problems.After about an hour we were told to move over to another train. Thank goodness there was an Italian couple who helped as things were very confusing.

We got on the other train and went to Genoa and had to change trains again. The Italian couple were a tremendous help again.Coming into Genoa was beautiful

We got into Monterosso about 2 hours late.

The B+B people picked us up and drove us UP the hill to our room.

We got unloaded and then walked back down the hill to the seaside where we ate  a sea food supper (Thanks kids for the supper !!!)

As I write this we are sitting on our balcony enjoying a slight breeze (which is good because the room only has a fan).

Tomorrow we hike!!

Venice Tuesday night

After our break we walked to the Frari church.This church had some amazing artwork.I especially wanted to see the work of Titian. This church also has the memorial to  Titian.

After lots more walking we ended up near the first pedestrian bridge over the Grand Canal. Here we spent $14 for two beer but were able to watch the boats coming and going into the Grand Canal.After that we walked all the way home and again purchased our supper at the grocery store.

The photos below include a painting by Titian,his monument and a photo where we had our beer.

Venice Tuesday afternoon

It is Tuesday afternoon about 3 P.M. We are just back at the B+B to wash some clothes and get ready for our next adventure.

We started this morning with a visit to the Doge's Palace. These men were the leaders of the Venetian Empire and as such amassed huge fortunes.This palace was also the governmental headquarters for the empire. It was a worthwhile visit.

After a very quick bite of food we did a gondola  ride ("thanks kids , for the gift"). It was cool as we purposely chose quieter canals. We went by Marco Polo's house and Casanova's place as well.

Venice on Monday

We bought our train tickets to Cinque Terre first thing so I could email the next  B+B we are staying at so they can pick us up at the station.

We purchased a 12 hour pass for the water bus and we used it to our advantage. We did a complete tour of the Grand Canal first, then took another water bus to two outlying islands. The first is called Burano and this island is famous for lace work and houses painted differently. The second island is called Murano and is famous for its glass production. Both islands were wonderful.

The first photo is Burano and the second is Murano.

After getting back to Venice we proceeded to get lost over and over again. After a quick meal (over priced like everything else here) we made good use of our water bus pass and did another tour of the Grand Canal but this time it was dark and stormy with lots of lightning.

Our supper consisted of some wine,and a slice of pizza for me and a torta for Caro which we brought back to our "home"

Our thinking yesterday was that we had planned too much time for Venice but today we have changed our minds as we have a full day planned tomorrow.

Sunday night

Well we found our B+B with no problem and then proceeded to walk for about 5 hours getting lost on a continual basis in a city of tiny (TINY) roads and alleys ( did I mention the roads were tiny?)

Anyway prices for restaurants are nuts so we bought wine, cheese and buns and had supper on the terrace here.

Whoever said that Venice is swamped with tourists in the summer was absolutely correct.We were tripping over those foreigners ALL AFTERNOON.        JEESH        =) 

It took a little digging but we see that Lisa's team won bronze.I am absolutely positive it is because of the awesome coaching.Well done Lisa!!!

Sunday on the train to Venice

Last night we said goodbye to the extended Cox family from England.A great family to visit with.

After watching the final stage show of the week in the theatre we watched the Australian entertainer do his thing again.

This morning we left the ship about 0730 then caught the 0800 train to Rome and then while at Termini station we managed to get our previously purchased tickets to Venice changed to 1035 and as I write this we have just left the first of our 4 stops (Florence) on the high speed train.A smooth ride.

A quick update.We have just arrived in Venice

Saturday on board

After last nights meal we stopped at the Schooner Lounge and were thoroughly entertained by an Australian piano player who had real knack for getting the crowd involved in a sing along.He was very funny.

We and about 200 others participated in a one mile walk with the captain to raise money for charity.

Today was a day at sea. The highlite for me was the passing close by to the Stromboli volcano. This volcano is continually active and as we passed by a plume of smoke shot up into the air.Cool.

We, (OK I mean Caro) managed to get all the purchases SHE made, into our suitcases.A small miracle indeed.